There are
many towns and villages in the Vendée that are worthy of more than a
passing interest. Hidden away one can discover some delightful treasures
and in doing so can unravel the events of history which helps to make
this area so interesting and appealing.

We hope that this guide will help you to see and enjoy more of the
Vendée. We hope that it directs you towards information to assist you in
your exploration of the area and helps you to enhance your visit. The
area has a huge variety of accommodation and many local attractions,
activities, and restaurants for the discerning visitor to discover.

Below we have listed the major towns and villages of the Vendée and
within these listings we have included links to further information
where available. We hope that you will enjoy the Vendée as much as the
writers of this guide, and that in some small way the guide will be of
some help.

The Vendée has 282 communes, with a land surface of 6720km², which is
1.27% of the land area of France. With a a population of 610.000 (2008).

L,Aiguillon-sur Mer. This is the Mussel growing capital of the Vendée, sitting at the mouth of the River Lay this seaside .Read More...

AngleThis
is a small town typical of those found in the South Vendée. Being just 7
kilometres from La Tranche-sur-Mer it enjoys... Read more...

Aizenay This village is just north of La Roche sur Yon on the road to Challon. It is the hub of modern Vendée. Read More...

Apremont.
This is a picturesque village with a lakeside beach and a ruined castle
which draws visitors from around the world. Read More...

Aubigny.
This is a village just 9 kilometres south of La Roche-sur-Yon on the
D747. It is noted for its Fête des Metiers when 100 artisans demonstrate
their crafts in August. Read more...

Avrille.
This is just inland from some of the Vendées most beautiful beaches. It
is on the (D949) from Luçon to Les Sables d'Olonne and boasts the
Château Guignardiere and its Riddle Trails and Historic Trail. Read More....

La Barre-de-mont.
This village is on the Atlantic coast opposite the island of
Noirmoutier. It is on the western edge of the Marais Breton where it
joins the 'Forest Domain des Pays de Mont', and is joined to the beach
resort of Fromentine. Read More..

Bazoges-en-pareds.
The Donjon, a medieval keep, dominates this village and the surrounding
countryside. It was built during the 100 years war and includes a well
preserved pigeon house and medieval gardens which are still used by the
chef of the adjacent auberge. ReadMore...

Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche. This village is just south of Aizenay and is entirely devoted to art.

Beauvoir-sur-Mer, This village is the gateway to the Breton Marshes and the Goie, the causeway leading to the Ile de Noirmoutier. Read More....

Benet. This
is a town close to the border between the Vendée and Deux Sèvre, it
borders both the Eastern edge of the Prairie and the Northern edge of
the Green Venice. The town is best known for its 15th century
church. Read More...

Bouin.
This picturesque village situated in the middle of the Marais Breton
was once an island. The narrow streets around the church are... Read More...

Bournezeau
This attractive village is on the D948 between St Hermine and La
Roche-sur-Yon has a large church and a pretty windmill makes for a
pleasant little detour. Read more...

Bourneau.
This is 9 kilometres north of Fontenay-le-Comte and is an attractive
little village with a remarkable little chateau complete with moat and a
15th Century Church. Read More...

Le Boupere. The village has a 13th century church which was fortified in the 15th century and is worthy of a second look. Read More...

Brem-sur-Mer.
Dolmens and Menhirs (Neolithic tombs and standing stones) can be found
all around this former sea port and indicate that a civilisation has
been present on this site for more than 5000 years. The 11th century
church is one of the oldest in the Vendée. It is one of the Vendée’s
wine growing regions and the wines are dry and crisp. Read More...

Bretignolles. On the Atlantic coast this popular seaside resort is well known for its surfing beaches, Read More...

Les BrouzilsThis Village is 12 kilometres south of Montaigu. It is adjacent to the foret de Grasla which is home to the Refuge de Grasla
where in 1794 some two thousand five hundred survivors took shelter
from the colonnes infernales. A reconstruction of the original site has
been built.

Bruffiere La.
Nestling on the banks of the Sevre Nantais river in the Haut Bocage
this ancient community has both history and natural assets. Read More...

Challans.
This is the largest town in the north of the Vendée and is second only
to La Roche-sur-Yon in size. It is a modern town however it has its
roots in the history of the Vendée, and holds three weekly markets. Read More...

Chaille-les-Marais.
At one time this was an island and the capital of the dry marshes; the
cliffs are still visible along part of the N137 and the D25. The 'Maison
de Pitit Poitou' just north of the village is a living museum about
life on the marches. Read More...

Chaize-Giraud. Small village close to St.Gilles-Croix-de-Vie which has one of the finest examples of roman Poitevin architecture Read More...

Chaize-le-vicomte.
This Town has an 11th century fortified church which is the largest
Romanesque church in the Vendée. The town offers good shops and
restaurants and pleasant walks. Read More...

Chatilliers-Chateaumur
These are two small communes which both had small châteaux though today
only the remains of the Château at Chateaumur survive. Read More

Chantonnay.
This town is situated where the Prairie meets the Bocage, and is on the
crossroads of the D949 and D137. It has mainly agricultural based
industries and just outside of the town is the lake complex at
Rochereau. Read More...

La Chataigneraie. This small town situated on the lower slopes of the Haut Bocage once held a Royal court today it is.... Read More...

Chateauneuf. This village on the edge of the Marais Breton, has a church with theoldest bell in the Vendée and the Petit Moulin which is Read More....

Chaume. Across the harbour from Les Sables-d'Olonne this ancient fishing village was once on an island, but as the sea... Read More...

Chavagnes-en-Paillers.
This holy town of the Vendée just 12 kilometres south of Montaigu is
this collection of churchs and convents and 5 kilometres further south
is the Sanctuaire de Notre-dame-de Salette an unusual collection of
turrets and towers. Read More....

Cheffois.
This village has a fortified church, two good restaurants and large and
interesting garden centre which borders the road with topiary trees. Read More...

Coex. This is an attractive village noted for its floral decorations and its golf course. The scented gardens of Read More...

Commequiers. This small village in the Bas Bocage has one of the prettiest medieval castles in the Vendée and is also home to.... Read More.....

Cugand.
In the north east of the Vendée this small village has a chapel of the
Knights templar as well as being the home of the Magic
Roundabout.. Read More...

Curzon. A small village on the edge of the Marais Poitevin with an interesting crypt and ancient commons land. Read More..

Les Epesses. This village is in the North East corner of the Vendée has been linked with the chateau and Lords of the Puy-du-Fou... Read More..

Les Essarts. This small town with the remains of a feudal castle and an impressive 19th century church with an11th century crypt. Read More...

La Faute-sur-mer. This village is just across the river Lay from Aiguillon-sur-mer and boast one of best beaches in the Vendée, it hassome good restaurants and one of the largest mussel farms in France. Read More...

La Flocelliere. This is a smallbut interesting town in the Haut Bocage.Fontenay le Comte Steeped in history Fontenay-le-Comte is justifiably known as the prettiest town in the Vendée and one of the prettiest in France being listed in the "Plus Beau detours de France". Read More..Foussais-Payre. This is classed as one of the 'Petites Cites de Charactere'. Foussais joined with its neighbour Payre-sur-Vendée in 1968 to form Foussais -Payre but its history dates from Gallo Roman.... Read More....

Fromentine.
Lying almost under the bridge to Noirmoutier this seaside resort has a
sheltered beach to the north and the Forest of the Pays de Monts wrapped
around it to the East, South and West. Ferries to the Ile d'Yeu leave
from its pier. Read More..

La Garnache.
This town is situated in the Bocage and is 6 kilometres from Challans.
It is dominated by the ruins of a 13th century feudal castle, and is
noted for its goat's cheese 'le Garnachoix'. Read More...

La Gaubretiere Just to the north west of Les Herbiers this village suffered badly during the wars of the Vendée with 1,200 of its 1,700residents being killed in battle or massacred by the revolutionary troops. Read More...

Les Herbiers.
Situated in the north east corner of the department Les Herbiers is
well located for discovering the Haut Bocage of the Vendée, other
attractions are....Read More...

L'Hermenault.
This village is 12 kilometres North of Fontenay le Comte and is on the
edge of the Praire. It is noted for the Bateau Barn in the grounds of
the Chateau de L'Hermenault and the 'Faire de l'Anciene which takes
place on the first Sunday in September.. Read More...

Ile d'Olonne. The heart of the Marais Olonne and an important centre for the production of salt and as a nature reserve Read More...

Ile D'Yeu. This beautiful island off the coast of the Vendée has been a favourite haunt for artist for years Read More...

Jard sur Mer.
The modern marina and the surrounding tourist facilities including
cafes, restaurants and gift shops make this a pleasant place all year
round. The 11thcentury church has a statue of St. Radegonde. Read More...

Longville-sur-mer.
This village is on the north-west corner of the Marais Poitevin where
the marshes meet the ocean. Within in the commune lie the beaches of les
Conches and Le Rocher. Read More..

Lucon
This town is situated on the border of the Marais Poitevin and the
Lucon-fontenay Prairie , it was once a sea port and was on the Roman
road from les Sable d'Olonne to.. Read More...

Les Lucs-sur Boulogne. This town 23 kilometres north of La Roche-sur-Yon is the centre for the memoirs of the Wars of the Vendée, Read More...

Magnils Reigners. Lying west of Luçon this small village is best known for St Nicolas Church (XII century) and its Priory (XIV century). Read More...

Maille. This small town lies on a bend of the river Deux Sèvre in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, 4 kilometres south of Maillezais. Read More...

Maillezais Built in 1003 the Benedictine Abbey was once the burial place of the Dukes of Aquitaine. Resting on...... Read More..

Mallievre.The Fortress village of Mallievre overlooks the Sèvre Nantaise in the Haut Bocage... Read More...

Mareuil-sur-Lay.
A Picturesque town on the River Lay, it is home to the best wine
growing area in the Vendée. A must for any wine lover, the wine route is
well marked... Read More....

Mervent. A pretty village within the Mervent-Vouvant forest this village has some great attractions....Read More...

Mesnard-la Barotiere. In the X1 century church of St.Christophe are medieval wall drawings, many of which arequite gruesome. Read More..

Montaigu. A market town in the north of the Vendée noted as the home of "The Magic Roundabout". Read More...

Mortagne-sur-Sevre. This small town in the north east corner of the Vendée bordering the Loire-et-Maine department.. Read More...

Mouchamps. On a hilltop overlooking the River Lay, this picturesque village has a 12th century church with a chequered past and nearby.. Read more...

Moutiers les Mauxfaits. An ancient village with its 18th century market hall on the road fromLa Tranche-sur Mer to La Roche sur Yon. Read More....

Nallier. This is an attractivetown on the border of the Praire and Marais Poitevin.

Nesmy. This village is known for its pottery, golf and waterside walks.

Nieul-sur-l'Autise.
This very attractive village 12 kilometres from Fontenay-le-Comte in
the south of the Vendée is where Alienor d'Aquitaine was born in
her... Read More...

Notre-Dame-de-Monts. This seaside resort in the north Vendée with itsglorious beaches and its back to the Marais Breton.... Read More...

Notre-Dames-de-Riez. Just east of St.Gilles-Croix-de-Vie a pleasant village... Read More...Noirmoutier-en-Ile. This is the main town on the island of Noirmoutier, and isa really charming port with fortified castle, glorious beaches and many attractions.

Olonne-sur Mer.
The name is derived from the Celtic, 'olona' meaning High above water.
In 4000BC there was a Neolithic civilization present here and Menhirs
have been found together with.... Read More...

Pallaua. This is a large village north of Aizenay with an old ruined castle.. Read More...

Petosse.
This village 10 kilometres north of Fontenay-le-Comte, and is noted for
its underground passages and stories of witches who are supposed to
pass by on their way to their Sabbaths. Read more....Poire-sur-Velluire-le. A village on the edge of the Marais Poitevin it has an ancient common where locals can graze... Read More...Le Poire-sur-Vie. This is a hillsidevillage with great walks and old watermill, Read More...

Pommeraie-sur-Sèvre
Situated 9 kilometres from Pouzauges on the Eastern border of the
Vendée and Deux Sèvres is the attractive village of La
Pommeraie-sur-Sèvre... Read More...

Port Bourgenay. A delightful modern marina, a golf course and the great beach of Vellion are just some of the delights. Read More...Port de Courdault. This ancient port just east of Fontenay-le-Comte is a hidden gem on the Marais Poitevin. Read More...Port de la Meule.
This enchanting little fishing harbour on the west coast of the Ile
d'Yeu with the old chapel of Notre-dame-de Bonne-Nouvelle looking
down.. Read More..

Pouzauges. Nestling in the Haut bocage this town is most noted for its ruined castle ans the spectacular... Read More...

Reaumur.
In the Haut bocage lays this pretty village that time has almost passed
by. It was the home of Rene-Antoine Ferchaud who worked with Louis
Pastier who is renowned for inventing the Thermometer. Read More...

La Roche sur Yon This is the Prefecture (capital) of the Vendée, it is the administrative centre for industry, tourism, the courts and all....Read More..

Rocheserviere.
This pretty little village on the banks of the River Boulogne has been
inhabited since Neolithic times. The Romans had a river crossing here
and the old five arched bridge... Read More...

Rosnay. This is a small commune that produces some of the best wine in the Vendee.. Read More...

Les Sables d'Olonne Les
Sables d'Olonne (lay sab do lon) situated about half way down the
Vendées Atlantic coast is one of France's original holiday... Read More...

Sallertaine.
This interesting village in the Marais Breton was once an island. Today
it attracts artists and artisans to its craft shops. One can also take a
'pinta'or guided tour around the former island. Read More...Sion-sur-l'Ocean This is a pretty seaside resort on the Corniche Vendéene north of St.Gilles-Croix de Vie.. Read More

Soullans.
This town is 6 kilometres South West of Challans where the marshes meet
the Bocage and has its roots deeply embedded in a Neolithic past. Read more....

St Benoist. With a rabbit that smokes and ancient commons, this quaint little former port has something for everyone. Read More...

St.Etienne-du-Bois. A small village in the north of the Vendée which was virtually untouched by the Wars of the Vendée, it has.... Read More...

St Gilles Croix de Vie This lively and beautiful seaside resort which spans the river Vie is attractive in all seasons. With its bustling fishing port, marina, harbour side restaurants and....Read More...

St Hilaire des loges. At the pointwhere the prairie rolls over into the bocage east of Fontenay-le-Comte, lays the village of St Hilaire des Loges. Read More...St Hilaire-de-Riez.
This small town now encompasses the seaside resort of Sion-sur-l'Ocean,
the holiday village of Merlin Plage and Notre-dame-de-Riez. Attractions
include; Bourrine du bois-Juquaud, Atlantic Toboggan and the Corniche
Vendéene. Read more..

St.Jean de Monts.
Every year thousands of visitors flock to this modern seaside resort
with its 8 kilometres of beaches, its golf course and the massif state
forest. Read more...

St Laurent-sur-Sèvre.
In the Haut Bocage bordering both the Deux Sèvree and the
Loire-et-Maine departments, This is the Holy town of the Vendée... Read more...St.Martin-des-Fountaines.
St.Martin-des-Fountaines is one of the smallest communes in the Vendée,
its is 2 kilometres from L'Hermenault in the south of the Vendée. Read More...St.Mesmin. In the Haut Bocage this village is best known for its medieval castle. Read More...St.Michel-en-l'Herm
Once an island in the Gulf of Picton it is now squarely in the part of
the Marais Poitevin known as the Triaize Poulders with the ancient abbey
of.. Read More...

St. Michel-Mont-Mercury. This is the highest point in the Vendée andoffers panoramic views from atop the church. Read More...

St. Hermine
This is a crossroads for the Plain (Lucon/Fontenay Praire) and the
Bocage. On the crossroad in the centre of the town stands a Memorial to
the Great War which was unveiled by Clemenceau. Read More..St.Sulpice-le-Verdon. The logis de la Chabotterie near the village is an important stop for those interested in the Wars of the Vendée.

St.Vincent-sur-Jard. This seaside resort south of Jard-sur-Mer, is best known for the cottage and gardens of Georges Clemenceau. Read More...

Tablier La. This village overlooks the prettiest stretch of the river Yon where water tumbles over rounded boulders, Read More...

Talmont-St-Hilaire.
Once a sea port, this busy town is dominated by the ruined castle which
was built by Richard the Lionheart. The Musée de Automobile de la
Vendée is situated outside of the town. Read More..

La Trenche-sur-Mer.
This very popular seaside resort originally known as Carvor has been a
active port for centuries due to the protection afforded itby the Ile de Re. Read More.

Triaize. A small village in the centre of the Triaize poulder lands Read More...

Vendrenne. This village is claimed to be the birthplace of the Vendéen Brioche which isnow sold throughout the world.

Vouvant. This
is a small village between La Chataigneraie and Fontenay-le-Compte, in
the Vendée and is a self appointed member of the prettiest village
in France club. Wherever you go in France you... Read More...

Towns Just outside the Vendée.

Arcais. This is a pretty village in the Deux Sèvres Department. Read More...Clisson. In the Loire Atlantique this picturesque medieval town with an Italian feel..Read more....

Coulon.Situated within the Deux Sèvres Department it is the capital of the Green Venice it is one of the prettiest villages in France. Read More..

Maransis
the most northerly town in the Charente-Maritime very close to the
boundary with the Vendee, The River Sevre-Niortaise runs through

La Rochelle. In the Charente-Maritime, it is commonly known as the jewel of the Bay of Biscay Read More...

St.Martin-de-Re. Within the Charente Maritime this picturesque fortified harbour on the Ile-de-Re Read More...